Having miss america back in atlantic city after a nine-year absence has added special boost of nostalgia this year. But for the contestants, the daying leading up to the competition are all about the pressure. The pressure to perform. The pressure to look good, so sound good. And most importantly, not to make a single mistake when they hit that stage. Miss america is very much a contest of stamina. It's clear on stage and backstage here that the days of around the clock commands are wearing thin on the contestants. The talent portion of the competition reveals a little more of the girls personalities. Miss arkansas is a clogger, with a sports motif. But the most popular talent goes to song. Half of this year's contestants are singers. &#9834; sergeant miss kansas sounds pretty good for a newbie. But miss nebraska is overcome. I'm good, I'm good, I just -- I'm not normally an emotional person at all. And some new talents in the mix this year. Two contestants are bringing classical indian dance moves to the stage, but with a modern flare. There's miss d.C. &#9834; and miss new york, dancing to a bollywood medley. &#9834; there are always your violins of the classic kind. &#9834; and then there are the violins and a creative twist. Miss oregon gets it started in here. &#9834; there you go. Miss florida rehearses her baton twirling performance. She is using every chance she can to practice before she competes in the prelim competition later tonight. &#9834; it is a routine rehearsal -- &#9834; until sudden ly, a dramatic setback. Confusion sets in as witnesses come to her side, trying to help. What's wrong? Oh, my god. That really hurt. Guys, we need to get a medic, please. You okay? Yeah. Just relax. Is she moving? Is she out? Honey, tell me, did it twist? Completely buckled. It buckled? Buckled completely. It was just not there. Okay, okay. It is a tense scene. Some take to prayer. Protect her, protect her, in the name of jesus, amen. But the rehearsal must go on. Miss utah sings as myrrhanda is taken away on a stretcher, with her dream of becoming miss america fading before her eyes, she holds her head high. I had to go out and perform after her. Little bit emotional. Yeah, somebody's hurt, you really don't want that. You want them to be their best. Six hours later, an incredible development. Miss florida is back. I'm going to go through, finish competing tonight and then hopefully get to recompete on sunday. I mean, that's -- that's the goal, that's the dream and I'm willing to make it happen. After completely tearing her acl, a devastating knee injury that would sideline most pro athletes, she will compete. It is an act of determination and even defiance. She will push through the pain. If there's a will, there's a way. Firmly believe you will yourself to win. I can do it. I can do it, no problem. &#9834; wearing a knee brace, an emotional miss florida takes the stage. She refuses to miss her chance. Performing a baton twirling routine to "big noise," here's myrrhanda jones, miss florida. &#9834; she nails it. An extraordinary comeback. Tonight, despite her injury, miss florida manages to win the talent portion of the preliminary competition. And that is miss florida.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

Now Playing: Massive storm causes flooding rains and water rescues in Dallas, Texas

Now Playing: Evangelist Billy Graham, 99, dies in his North Carolina home

Now Playing: Billy Graham, in his own words, about facing death and the Lord

Now Playing: The host of 'Jeopardy' will be moderating a gubernatorial debate

Now Playing: 4th-grader begs sheriff for more security at school in Tennessee

Now Playing: Famous quotes from the Rev. Billy Graham

Now Playing: Alleged school shooting thwarted in California

Now Playing: Evangelist Billy Graham dies at 99

Now Playing: USA Swimming faces allegations of sexual abuse

Now Playing: {{itm.title}}

{"id":20264831,"title":"After Injury, Miss Florida Fights to Compete","duration":"5:50","description":"Act 5: When Myrrhanda Jones injures her knee during rehearsal, she works to get back on stage.","url":"/2020/video/injury-miss-florida-fights-compete-20264831","section":"2020","mediaType":"default"}